Kenneth Wayne Smith

We are sad to announce the passing of Kenneth "Kenny" Wayne Smith, age 72. Kenny died on Tuesday, February 25, at his home in Colorado Springs, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. His beloved wife and niece were with him when he passed. He loved animals and his loyal dog, Max, was at his side as he took his last breath.

Kenny was born December 16, 1952, in Raton, NM, to Louis and Ruby (Schneider) Smith. He joined two older sisters, Peggy and Betty, who doted on him from the day he was born.

When he was a very young boy, the family moved to Summit County, Colorado, where his father worked as a carpenter. Along with his nieces and nephew, Kenny enjoyed exploring the mountains in Colorado's ski country. Kenny graduated with honors from Summit Country High School in 1971. He was a star athlete who loved being a Summit Tiger. He said the only reason he excelled at sports was because the school was so small there weren’t many kids to choose from.

Kenny attended the University of Colorado/Boulder and worked in the food services/hospitality industry for more than 50 years. Being a kind man with a gentle spirit, people truly loved working alongside him. He had many co-workers and customers who became lifelong friends. Kenny was an accomplished chef who thoroughly enjoyed cooking for family and friends. Cheering for his Denver Broncos was another great passion, along with beating everyone at Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit.

Kenny married his wife, Patsy Earlene Kirk, on April 14, 2001, in San Diego, California. They spent 24 wonderful years together and Patsy will miss him dearly.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Peggy Smith, Betty Ridolfi, and his beloved brother-in-law, Louis Ridolfi.

Kenny is survived by his wife Patsy; his son Steven Smith (Winn) Edmonds, WA; his stepdaughter Brandy Ludwick, Mira Mesa, CA; grandson Jakota Ludwick, Mira Mesa, CA; two nieces, Donna McKenzie (Mike), Colorado Springs, CO; Bernadine Vayle (Frank), Woodland Park, CO; nephew Michael Ridolfi (Jeanine), Trinidad, CO; sister-in-law Mary Warren (Richard) Lafayette, LA; brother-in-law Scott Kirk (Verna) Quesnell, British Columbia, Canada; many great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of life will be held on March 14, 2025. Because of Kenny’s great love for animals, please feel free to make a contribution in his honor to an animal shelter of your choice.